The quote reflects the profound disillusionment experienced by the character in Sinclair Lewis's "Babbitt." It captures the sentiment that once a person begins to question their surroundings, the certainty and comfort they once felt dissipate. This inner turmoil leads to a recognition of the absurdity of the world, making it difficult to find peace or happiness again.

This sense of absurdity suggests a deeper existential struggle where the individual grapples with the meaning of life amidst societal norms and expectations. The character's misery stems from an inability to reconcile his doubts with the realities of the world, leaving him in a state of unresolved conflict.